Before the election, Smith hopes that he may be able to debate Sarwark on a number of policy differences. 71 Republic may sponsor this debate. So far, the only slated meeting of the two candidates will take place at a forum in Long Beach, California. Additionally, a debate at the Nebraska Libertarian Party State Convention was planned, but then canceled.

However, it is still possible that a debate between the two may not occur. Despite Smith’s firm advocacy for one to occur, Sarwark has yet to confirm his availability. In the following video obtained from an anonymous source, Smith asked Sarwark to increase the number of debates beyond one. Sarwark replied calmly, stating that “I’ll have to see about scheduling”.

Without a doubt, the ultimate victor of this race may have a huge impact on the future direction of the party. In the above video, Sarwark and 2020 Presidential Candidate Adam Kokesh agreed on the importance of the party’s future. After Kokesh stated he has “a lot of interest in the future of the party”, Sarwark agreed, remarking “that’s good, we all do”.

However, it is possible that voters may not be able to see a debate between the two candidates prior to their critical election if the two cannot reach an agreement on a time and place for such a debate to occur. What are your opinions on the subject? Please add your comments below.

Published by Ryan Lau

Ryan is currently a high school senior in the state of Connecticut. He is a staunch libertarian and agorist, believing that peaceful disobedience is the way to limit or end the destructive actions of the government. He was first introduced to the libertarian ideology through the campaigns of Ron and Rand Paul, gradually rejecting socially conservative beliefs in favor of liberty. Since then, Ryan has been influenced by the works of Samuel Konkin, Ludwig von Mises, and Leo Tolstoy.
Ryan is a member of his school's debate club, and he guided his team to a tournament victory this year. He has also been on school teams for baseball, soccer, and golf, though he now prefers the individual sports of running and skiing. Last fall, Ryan completed his first marathon, and plans to run a fifty mile race this November.
Outside of athletics, Ryan is involved in the Boy Scouts and is currently working towards becoming an Eagle Scout. He is also musically inclined, playing the piano, clarinet, and alto saxophone in his school's concert, marching, and jazz bands. Last May, he performed the piano solo of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra at the Bushnell Theater. Looking forward, he hopes to apply to Colorado College, University of Vermont and Middlebury, to pursue a degree in political science.
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The only people who will vote for the next LP chair are the people who attend the Convention in New Orleans. The way that any other debates can affect the outcome is if it changes anyone’s mind about whether they will attend that event or not. I don’t know what Smith keeps busy with these days but Sarwark has responsibilities as current chair and he is also running a vigorous campaign for mayor of Phoenix. I don’t find it strange that he might have difficulties finding time for any more debates.